The term "literal" in biblical studies refers to the interpretation of Scripture that seeks to understand the text in its most direct and plain sense, as it would have been understood by its original audience. This approach emphasizes the grammatical-historical method, which considers the grammar, syntax, and historical context of the biblical text.

Biblical Basis for Literal Interpretation

The literal interpretation of Scripture is rooted in the belief that the Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). As such, it is considered authoritative and trustworthy in its teachings. The Berean Standard Bible reflects this view in its translation, aiming to convey the original meaning of the text as accurately as possible.

Examples of Literal Interpretation

1. Creation Account: The literal interpretation of Genesis 1-2 holds that God created the world in six literal days. This view is supported by the repeated phrase "And there was evening, and there was morning" (Genesis 1:5), which suggests a 24-hour day cycle.

2. Historical Events: Events such as the Exodus from Egypt are understood literally. The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) is seen as a historical event where God miraculously intervened on behalf of the Israelites.

3. Prophecies: Many prophecies are interpreted literally, especially those concerning the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. For instance, the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 about a virgin bearing a son is understood literally and fulfilled in the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:22-23).

Challenges and Considerations

While the literal approach is foundational, it is important to recognize the presence of various literary genres within the Bible, such as poetry, parables, and apocalyptic literature. These genres often employ figurative language, which requires careful interpretation to discern the intended meaning. For example, the Psalms frequently use metaphorical language to convey spiritual truths (Psalm 23:1).

Literal Interpretation and Doctrine

Literal interpretation plays a crucial role in the development of key Christian doctrines. The doctrine of the resurrection, for instance, is based on the literal understanding of Christ's bodily resurrection as described in the Gospels (Luke 24:6-7). Similarly, the doctrine of the Second Coming is grounded in the literal promises of Christ's return (Acts 1:11).

Conclusion

The literal interpretation of Scripture is a foundational approach that seeks to honor the text's original meaning and context. It serves as a guide for understanding the Bible's teachings and applying them to the life of the believer.1. (a.) According to the letter; exact; not figurative or metaphorical; as, the literal meaning of a phrase.

2. (a.) Following the letter or exact words; not free.

3. (a.) Consisting of, or expressed by, letters.

4. (a.) Giving a strict or literal construction; unimaginative; matter-of fast; -- applied to persons.

5. (n.) Literal meaning.

1180. dekatessares -- fourteen
... 1180 ("14") is used in Scripture both with literal meaning (2 Cor 12:2; Gal 2:1)
and double entendre (simultaneous symbolic meaning, cf. Mt 1:17). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1180.htm - 7k

450. anistemi -- to raise up, to rise
... From ana and histemi; to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive) --
arise, lift up, raise up (again), rise (again), stand up(-right). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/450.htm - 8k

1911. epiballo -- to throw over, to throw oneself
... From epi and ballo; to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive;
usually with more or less force); specially (with heautou implied) to reflect ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1911.htm - 7k

2838. koimesis -- a resting
... Word Origin from koimao Definition a resting NASB Word Usage literal (1). taking
of rest. From koimao; sleeping, ie (by implication) repose -- taking of rest. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2838.htm - 6k

5316. phaino -- to bring to light, to cause to appear
... Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten (shine), ie Show (transitive or
intransitive, literal or figurative) -- appear, seem, be seen, shine, X think. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5316.htm - 8k

575. apo -- from, away from
... A primary particle; "off," ie Away (from something near), in various senses (of
place, time, or relation; literal or figurative) -- (X here-)after, ago, at ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/575.htm - 6k

1096. ginomai -- to come into being, to happen, to become
... form of a primary verb; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), ie (reflexively) to become
(come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1096.htm - 15k

1440. hebdomekonta -- seventy
... 1440 -- . 1440 ("70") is used in Scripture both with literal symbolic meaning.
[As the of and , 70 has with symbolic value (in a figurative context).]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1440.htm - 7k

1537. ek -- from, from out of
... A primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds),
from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1537.htm - 7k

837. auxano -- to make to grow, to grow
... A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow ("wax"), ie Enlarge (literal or
figurative, active or passive) -- grow (up), (give the) increase. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/837.htm - 8k

8668. teshuah -- deliverance, salvation
... Or tshuah {tesh-oo-aw'}; from shava' in the sense of yasha'; rescue (literal or
figurative, pers., national or spir.) -- deliverance, help, safety, salvation ...
/hebrew/8668.htm - 6k

5590. saar -- to storm, rage
... A primitive root; to rush upon; by implication, to toss (transitive or intransitive,
literal or figurative) -- be (toss with) tempest(-uous), be sore, troubled ...
/hebrew/5590.htm - 6k

6310. peh -- mouth
... From pa'ah; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative
(particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with ...
/hebrew/6310.htm - 7k

7130. qereb -- inward part, midst
... From qarab; properly, the nearest part, ie The center, whether literal, figurative
or adverbial (especially with preposition) -- X among, X before, bowels, X ...
/hebrew/7130.htm - 6k

5307. naphal -- to fall, lie
... A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or
causative, literal or figurative) -- be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out ...
/hebrew/5307.htm - 7k

6965. qum -- to arise, stand up, stand
... A primitive root; to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive
and causative) -- abide, accomplish, X be clearer, confirm, continue, decree ...
/hebrew/6965.htm - 7k

6979. qur -- to bore, dig
... A primitive root; to trench; by implication, to throw forth; also (denominative
from qiyr) to wall up, whether literal (to build a wall) or figurative (to estop ...
/hebrew/6979.htm - 6k

5975. amad -- to take one's stand, stand
... A primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive
and transitive) -- abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm ...
/hebrew/5975.htm - 7k

6743. tsalach -- to rush
... Or tsaleach {tsaw-lay'-akh}; a primitive root; to push forward, in various senses
(literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive) -- break out, come ...
/hebrew/6743.htm - 5k

3117. yom -- day
... From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal
(from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a ...
/hebrew/3117.htm - 7k

Whether the Ceremonial Precepts have a Literal Cause or Merely a ...
... OF THE CAUSES OF THE CEREMONIAL PRECEPTS (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the ceremonial
precepts have a literal cause or merely a figurative cause? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the ceremonial precepts have.htm

Figurative Senses have their Foundation in Literal Fact Besides ...
... Chapter XX."Figurative Senses Have Their Foundation in Literal Fact Besides, the
Allegorical Style is by No Means the Only One Found in the Prophetic ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xx figurative senses have their.htm

Whether any Name Can be Applied to God in Its Literal Sense?
... THE NAMES OF GOD (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether any name can be applied to God in its
literal sense? Objection 1: It seems that no name is applied literally to God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether any name can be 2.htm

Now Clear and Evident as this Distinction Is, Between a Mere ...
... Address 132: Now clear and evident as this distinction is, between a mere
literal direction to a? Now clear and evident as this ...
/.../address 132 0 0 now clear and.htm

The True Nature, and Full Distinction Between Literal and Divine ...
... Address 131: The TRUE nature, and full distinction between literal and
divine knowledge? The true nature, and full distinction ...
/.../address 131 0 0 the true nature.htm

It is a Wretched Slavery which Takes the Figurative Expressions of ...
... Book III. Chapter 5."It is a Wretched Slavery Which Takes the Figurative
Expressions of Scripture in a Literal Sense. 9. But the ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 5 it is a wretched.htm

Whether one Passage of Sacred Scripture May have Several ...
... 1. It seems that one passage of sacred Scripture cannot have several interpretations,
such as the historical or literal, the allegorical, the tropological or ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article ten whether one passage.htm

Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final ...
... were weak? Here, then, was the principle of a twofold interpretation of the
Word of God - the literal and the allegorical. The letter ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv philo of alexandria.htm

Introductory Chapter
... which shows that, to him, God's promise to Abraham was spiritual as well as material,
that there was to be a spiritual seed as well as literal seed, and that ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/introductory chapter.htm

No Condemnation
... a great flood of light, and of more than light, of encouragement and of stimulus,
is cast upon that saving exercise of trust by noticing the literal meaning of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/no condemnation.htm

Literal (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) According to the letter; exact; not figurative
or metaphorical; as, the literal meaning of a phrase. ... 5. (n.) Literal meaning. ...
/l/literal.htm - 7k

Accommodation (1 Occurrence)
... and are worthy of separate treatment: (1) the use or application of a Scripture
reference in a sense other than the obvious and literal one which lay in the ...
/a/accommodation.htm - 39k

Firstbegotten (1 Occurrence)
... other places in the King James Version, and always in the Revised Version (British
and American), by "firstborn." It is used in its natural literal sense of ...
/f/firstbegotten.htm - 10k

First-begotten (2 Occurrences)
... other places in the King James Version, and always in the Revised Version (British
and American), by "firstborn." It is used in its natural literal sense of ...
/f/first-begotten.htm - 10k

Affect (3 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AFFECT; AFFECTION. a-fekt', a-fek'-shun: The literal
meaning of "affect" is to act upon (Latin ad, "to," "upon," facio, "to do"). ...
/a/affect.htm - 11k

Affection (30 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AFFECT; AFFECTION. a-fekt', a-fek'-shun: The literal
meaning of "affect" is to act upon (Latin ad, "to," "upon," facio, "to do"). ...
/a/affection.htm - 20k

Hymenaeus (2 Occurrences)
... This contempt for the body led to the denial of the resurrection in its literal
sense; and all that Christ had taught on the subject was explained only, in an ...
/h/hymenaeus.htm - 13k

Letter (112 Occurrences)
... The "oldness of the letter" (7:6) is a phrase which denotes the old way of literal
outward obedience to the law as a system of mere external rules of conduct. ...
/l/letter.htm - 40k

Degree (19 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) State as indicated by sum of exponents; more particularly, the degree of
a term is indicated by the sum of the exponents of its literal factors; thus ...
/d/degree.htm - 16k

Desire (565 Occurrences)
... James Version). the Revised Version (British and American) frequently renders
the more literal meaning of the Hebrew. Compare Job ...
/d/desire.htm - 43k

What is Young's Literal Translation (YLT)? | GotQuestions.org

Can / Should we interpret the Bible as literal? | GotQuestions.org

Does Genesis chapter 1 mean literal 24-hour days? | GotQuestions.org

Literal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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